My words trailed off as I saw Nicholas’s gaze turned away from me and in front of him. Then his face lit up, and a smile effortlessly formed on his lips in response to the voice.Smile. He smiled. It was my first time seeing him smile.The cheers and giggles of the pack members reverberated behind me like there was some celebrity that came to the pack. Curious, I turned my attention to the gate. I saw a woman, her beauty captivating with her blonde hair and electric blue eyes, smiling brightly and running in Nicholas's direction. The woman has gentle and soft features. Her face was round with a delicate jawline, adorned by full, rosy cheeks. I watch like they are in slow motion as the woman gets closer to Nicholas. Like I am watching a movie. My heart grew heavy with every passing second for an unknown reason. The cheers and laughter around me faded into the background as I stood there. Watching a woman run towards Nicholas.As soon as the woman was close, she spread her arms and hu
Lost in a whirlwind of emotions, I lost track of time, unsure of how many hours had slipped by. Layla and I are sitting side by side on the sand, neither of us spoke. I didn't know how Layla found this breathtaking place but I am glad to be here. The gentle rhythm of the waves crashing against the shore filled the silence between us. I watch the ocean, as the tempting waves come back and forth and the sound slowly eases the pain in my heart just to make it numb. I don't have any tears to cry anymore. It seems like my energy had gone along with my tears. As Layla broke the heavy silence, her voice carried a somber tone as she spoke, "Samantha was Nicholas's longest girlfriend. They seemed perfect together." She paused, “They even both promised to reject each other’s mates when they saw them. That's how great their love for each other” “He did,” I choked, my lips trembling as the memories of Nicholas not accepting me as his mate flashed in my mind. "Nicholas proposed to her, but la
I groaned at the warmth of the sunlight seeping through the curtain in my window. My eyes were heavy with exhaustion as I pulled the blanket over my face, craving a few more minutes. “Argh” I grumbled, pulling the blanket over my face. But just as I nestled into the comforting darkness, an unexpected knock echoed through the room. Irritation flickered across my face as I glanced at the clock, registering the ungodly early hour: 9 in the morning. Rubbing my eyes, I stumbled toward the door, dazed and disheveled. Just who was the person who would wake me up in this godly hour?! As I swung the door open, my sleepy haze was shattered by the sight of Samantha standing on my doorstep. Shock coursed through me at the unanticipated visit, leaving me momentarily speechless and unsure of what to say or do next. How could I react to seeing my mate’s fiance after the yesterday’s fiasco? Goddess, I need some time to recharge! I sighed, gathering any polite cells I had in my body. Samantha ha
As the sun started to dip, I headed to the pack center with one goal: finding the shop Jake mentioned on his business card. I needed to continue my painting agenda to keep my mind off Samantha and Nicholas for a moment. Enough drama for today. I also used the time to ask for vacancies or job offerings. Luckily, I was able to find one. It was a flower shop owned by old couples. “Canvas Cove,” I muttered, looking around. The place was a beehive of activity, shops bustling with life. I clutched Jake's card and scoured the center, dead set on locating the shop he had mentioned. Upon spotting the shop, I swiftly parked my car. In the corner of my eyes, judgmental gazes followed me. “She is the current mistress of the Alpha right?” “I heard she was rude” “But she was gorgeous” The murmurs of recognition and disparaging comments about my status as a Mistress brushed against me like an unwelcome breeze. I just sighed, ignoring all of it. It's not like I can slap each one of them. En
He continued to provide tips and tricks to achieve a smooth and consistent coat of paint. His patient instructions eased my nerves, and I listened intently, absorbing each piece of advice with the intention of mastering the art of painting my walls. Well, duh it's my walls. "You'll find it kinda therapeutic once you get the hang of it," Jake mentioned. "I'm already feeling it," I replied, dipping my brush in the paint. "Seeing the walls change with every stroke is strangely satisfying." "Exactly! That's what I always felt when I am painting” “You must be good,” I said, my focus still on the paint. “Nah, I think I am great,” he joked, “I was lucky that my old man supported me. A lot of artists hide their talents since their own family was against it” “Is he also managing the shop with you?” “No, he was always away, meetings” I glanced at him suddenly curious, “What exactly is the work of your father?” Jake grinned at me, “I'll tell you next time” and suddenly held my hand.
My legs felt jelly, causing me to collapse on the floor. Everything happened so fast. For Pete's sake, I just wanted to paint! Before I could make sense of the situation, Layla burst into the room. She rushed towards me. “Hey, are you okay?” she asked, handing me a glass of water. “Here” I drank the water, feeling that my throat was suddenly dry. I shake my head, laughing bitterly, “I don't understand him. I just don't” Since the first time I saw him and him buying me in that auction, I can't understand him until now. My train of thought stopped when I heard Layla giggle. "What's so amusing?" I asked, confused. I don't know how she can laugh after what happened. Layla's laughter died down as she said, "The Alpha's a tad jealous, I think." "Impossible. There's no way." I said, shaking my head. "It's possible. He's your mate, after all. Possessiveness is a natural instinct especially since he was an Alpha” "That's ridiculous. He's not possessive. He just….. want to hurt
I peered at my reflection in the mirror. I've never been much of a morning person, but here I am, all dolled up. Layla hooked me up with some seriously killer dresses from her stash, specifically for occasions like this. She's got a knack for handling the mistresses of Nicholas, as she claims. Now, I'm strutting in this curve-hugging red wine dress that leaves little to the imagination. It's doing wonders for showcasing my assets—emphasis on cleavage, of course. The hem barely hits mid-thigh. Lips, eyeshadow, hair—everything coordinated in shades of red. Red was my vibe this morning. And don't get me started on my nails, they're matching too. Red. All. Over. Then I paired it with sleek black heels that highlighted my long and fair legs. Hey, beauty was my first weapon, after all. Stayed up late last night painting my nails in that fiery red shade too. So, the plan? Crash that breakfast thing and mess around a bit with Nicholas. I mean, he ain't the only one who can play the ‘What's
“But no worries, I'll ensure these don't go to waste,” I declared, rising from my seat.Walking with confidence I could feel the eyes of the men following my every step, involuntarily drawn by my stride, while the women observed me with some scornful expressions. In the corner of my eyes, I could see men drawn to my legs and to my breasts who were asking to be free from my short and skimpy dress.I made my way confidently towards Jake, positioned at the far end of the table among the men. With a cheerful wave, I caught his attention and smoothly maneuvered to the man facing him.“Hi, boys” I greeted sweetly.The men nearby scooted, making a place for me, and greeted me back. “Hey, gorgeous”I smiled at them, turning my attention to Jake, whose face turned redder than a tomato. I couldn't help but bite my lip, thoroughly amused by his reaction.Intentionally leaning closer, ensuring he had an eyeful of my cleavage, I pushed the box of cookies toward him. The collective gasp from the gu